As per reports, the state government has prohibited the transportation of liquor and intoxicating substances into designated areas of the Sabarimala temple forest region in connection with the 2026–27 Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The restrictions will be effective from Sunday (15 November) to Wednesday (20 January 2027).
• The restrictions cover 16 locations in Perunad village of Ranni taluk, Pathanamthitta district, including Pampa, Triveni, Neelimala, Sannidhanam and Nilakkal. The prohibition also extends to Pampa Valley in Kollamula village, excluding Arayanjilimon.
• The sale and consumption of liquor and tobacco products are also prohibited across the designated areas during the enforcement period.
• Three temporary Excise Range Offices have been established at Nilakkal, Pampa and Sannidhanam to monitor compliance and strengthen enforcement under the Abkari Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. These offices have reportedly started functioning.
• A control room headed by an Assistant Excise Commissioner at Pampa is scheduled to commence operations on Sunday (15 November).
• Separately, the Pathanamthitta District Collector has prohibited the storage, display and sale of tobacco products along the wider pilgrimage route from Vadasserikkara to Sannidhanam, including rest centres, roadside shops, hotels and temporary stalls, from Wednesday (11 November) to Monday (25 January 2027). Violations may attract legal action under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and other applicable laws.
Categories: Regulatory - District / City-wise regulatory changes
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